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LUCAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

COUNTY PLAN FOR USE OF

PREVENTION/RETENTION/CONTINGENCY FUNDS (PRC)

Federal Fiscal Years 2018-2019 (Effective October 1, 2017)

In accordance with section 5108.04 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), each county department of job

and family services shall establish benefits and services to be provided under Title IV-A funds

(Temporary Assistance to Needy Families-TANF). The Prevention, Retention and Contingency

Program (PRC) program is a critical tool for Lucas County to provide benefits and services needed

to overcome immediate barriers to help families become and stay self-supporting. The PRC program

provides for nonrecurring, short-term, crisis-oriented benefits and ongoing services that are directly

related to one of the four purposes of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program

which are:

Purpose 1: “To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in

their own homes or in the homes of relatives”

Purpose 2: “To end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting

job preparation, work and marriage”

Purpose 3: “To prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establish

annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies”

Purpose 4: “To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families”

*Please note that the State has acknowledged that a significant share of TANF families consists of

unmarried mothers with low skills who live with their children apart from low-skilled, underemployed

fathers. Many of these fathers are involved in the lives of their children and provide some financial

support, but would like to do much more. Historically, the fathers have found limited employment

opportunities, and welfare rules have worked to discourage family formation and fuller involvement

of these fathers in the lives of their children.

Some activities that are reasonably calculated to accomplish this purpose might include parenting

skills training, premarital and marriage counseling, and mediation services; activities to promote

parental access and supervision; job placement and training services for non-custodial parents;

initiatives to promote responsible fatherhood and increase the capacity of fathers to provide

emotional and financial support for their children; and crisis or intervention services.

The services and benefits provided under the PRC program fall into three categories:

Prevention services: designed to divert families from ongoing cash assistance by providing

short term non-assistance.

Retention services: provided to assist an employed member of the family in maintaining

employment.

Contingency services: provided to meet an emergent need which, if not met, threatens the

safety, health or well-being of one or more family members.

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Federal law differentiates between “assistance” and “non-assistance” programs under TANF. This is

an important distinction because if a family receives TANF “assistance,” there are many additional

federal requirements that apply to the family which include:

Federal time limits on how long the family can receive assistance;

Work requirements;

Cooperation with child support; and

Additional detailed data reporting to the federal government

PRC/non-assistance includes:

Non-recurrent, short-term benefits that:

o Are designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need,

o Are not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and

o Will not extend beyond four months;

Work subsidies (i.e. payments to employers or third parties to help cover the costs of

employee wages, benefits, supervision, and training);

Supportive services such as child care and transportation provided to families who are

employed;

Refundable earned income tax credits;

Contributions to, and distributions from, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs);

Services such as counseling, case management, peer support, child care information and

referral, transitional services, job retention, job advancement, and other employment-related

services that do not provide basic income support; and

Transportation benefits provided under a Job Access or Reverse Commute

Assistance granted must not exceed the expenditure cap per PRC twelve-month cycle for LCDJFS

PRC services. These non-reoccurring benefits and services may encompass more than one payment

a year, as long as the payment provides short-term relief and addresses a discrete crisis situation. The

benefits and services are not to meet ongoing or reoccurring needs.

Services are offered to an assistance group (AG) to divert them from the dependent need of ongoing

cash assistance and guide them to self sufficiency during their presenting crisis. PRC services, in

combination with Food Assistance, Medicaid and Child Care, are to be offered to LCDJFS’ customers

as a package of services that may be an effective alternative to accessing Ohio Works First cash

benefits. Such services may help members retain employment and thereby achieve or continue self-

sufficiency. PRC services are also provided to strengthen families through a continuum of

community-based employment and social services.

The following paragraphs outline the eligibility requirements necessary to determine financial need

for PRC. Age, residence, living arrangement and income requirements must be met in order to have

a financial need for PRC. A description of LCDJFS PRC services offered through this Plan is

provided in the Lucas County PRC Program Chart below.

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Eligibility Certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to determine financial need for assistance under

PRC. These eligibility requirements are age, residence, living arrangement, and income. The

assistance group must have both an emergent need and a financial need. Therefore, if the assistance

group has an emergent need but does not meet one of the eligibility conditions, there is no eligibility

for PRC.

Verification of the eligibility requirements is required only for income and resources. For PRC

purposes, it is important to evaluate the income and resources available at the time of application

which may be used towards meeting the emergent need. The eligibility requirements of age, residence,

and living arrangement may be verified for PRC purposes if the situation indicates clarification is

needed. Due to the nature of the PRC program, the determination of what should be subject to

verification should be construed to the benefit of the assistance group.

Recipients of Ohio Works First (OWF) or Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) are considered

automatically to meet the eligibility requirements of age, residence, and living arrangements.

However, eligibility for OWF or DFA does not constitute automatic eligibility for PRC. The factors

of income and resources must be evaluated and a determination made of whether financial need exists.

Recipients of Medicaid (Aged, Blind or Disabled), SSI, and food stamps do not automatically meet

any eligibility requirements. Eligibility must be determined as for any other applicant of PRC.

An applicant for PRC is responsible for completing all necessary documents, furnishing all available

facts and information, and cooperating in the eligibility determination process.

There are certain eligibility components of a county agency PRC plan which are legislatively

required; these include:

A. Social Security Number

Each person applying for PRC must provide the county agency (or third party providing agency) with

a social security number, or apply for a social security number. Providing a number is a condition of

receipt of TANF and is required under Section 1137(a) of the Social Security Act.

The social security number will be used to check information provided by the individual against

information held by other federal, state, and local governments; computer matching systems; and

program reviews or audits to ensure eligibility for PRC or, to the extent permitted by federal law, to

assist in determining eligibility for any other state, federal, or federally assisted program that provides

cash or in-kind assistance or services directly to individuals based on need or for the purpose of

protecting children. This information will also be used to monitor compliance with program

regulations and for program management.

The social security number may be used when contacting appropriate persons or agencies to

determine eligibility and verify information that has been provided for the PRC program; for example,

income, financial resources, disability benefits or other similar benefits and programs. Such

information may affect household eligibility.

The social security number will be used for a felony warrant match; a match of persons in violation

of probation or parole by law enforcement agencies, as these individuals are not eligible for PRC

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services. The social security number will also be used for purposes of investigations, prosecutions,

and criminal or civil proceedings that are within the scope of law enforcement agencies’ official

duties.

B. Citizenship

In order to receive PRC benefits and services, at least one member of the PRC assistance group (AG)

must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien as defined in rule 5101:1-2-30 of the Ohio

Administrative Code (OAC). See also Section 403(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work

Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996.

Section 403(a) of PRWORA states that:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law…an alien who is a qualified alien…and who enters the

United States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act is not eligible for any federal means-

tested public benefit for a period of five years beginning on the date of the alien’s entry into the United

States with a status within the meaning of the term ‘qualified alien.’

As a general matter, the five-year bar does not affect an individual who entered the United States

before enactment.

Under PRWORA, aliens who are not qualified aliens are not eligible for any “federal public benefit”

unless the “federal public benefit” falls within a specified exception. HHS has provided its

interpretation of “federal public benefit” in 64 FR 41657 (August 4, 1998). TANF benefits are

generally considered “federal public benefits” and therefore the five year bar on receipt of federal

public benefits would apply to newly-arrived aliens who do not meet one of the statutory exceptions.

A use of TANF funds that might not be considered a “federal public benefit” might include pregnancy

prevention services that are available to individuals regardless of financial need.

Certain benefits may be provided regardless of immigration status. Sections 401(b) and 411(b) of

PRWORA state that States may provide certain non-cash Federal or state and local public benefits to

any alien. Such benefits are those necessary for the protection of life and safety and include those

specified by the Attorney General in a notice dated August 23, 1996 (AG Order No. 2049-96, 61 FR

45985). In the notice, the Attorney General specified the kinds of non-cash government-funded

community programs, services or assistance that are necessary for protection of life or safety and for

which all aliens continue to be eligible. None of the benefits or services which are available to all

aliens may be conditioned on the individual recipient’s income or resources as stated in 64 FR 17819

(April 12, 1999). Services that are provided by shelters for homeless or battered individuals that are

available to anyone who needs their help would be an example of services that might be funded in

part under the TANF program and could be provided to anyone regardless of immigration status.

C. Residence

The U.S. Supreme Court, in Saenz v. Roe, 526 U.S. 489 (1999), has held that the length of time a

person has lived in a place cannot be the basis to deny government assistance benefits. Therefore,

durational residency requirements are discouraged in county PRC programs. Eligibility for

LCDJFS’s PRC services requires residency in Lucas County.

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D. Fraudulent Assistance

Pursuant to ORC section 5101.83 and OAC rule 5101:1-23-75, PRC benefits and services may not

be provided to a family that fraudulently received benefits under the OWF and/or PRC programs until

a member of the assistance group repays the cost of the fraudulent assistance.

Exception: Contracted services as described in the PRC Program Chart below, may be available to

sanctioned families. Services and eligibility are specific to the terms of each individual contract.

E. Voter Registration

The county agency, in accordance with Section 329.051 Revised Code, must make a voter registration

application available to persons applying for or participating in the PRC program.

Assistance Group Composition In Ohio, all families are served through defined assistance groups. Assistance groups participating in

the OWF program may be defined differently from those obtaining services under the PRC program.

Based upon Title IV-A federal regulations and state law, a TANF eligible family must, at a minimum,

consist of a:

Minor child who resides with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian or legal custodian (a

child may be temporarily absent from the home provided certain requirements are met);

Pregnant individual in her third trimester with or without other minor children; or

Non-custodial parent who lives in the Lucas County, but does not reside with his/her minor

child(ren).

An assistance group member may be “temporarily absent” yet the individual and his/her family may

still qualify for PRC benefits and services. “Temporary absence” has the same meaning for the PRC

program as it does for OWF as set forth under ORC Section 5107.10 and OAC rule 5101:1-3-04.

Pursuant to OAC rule 5101:1-3-04, the absence of a member of the AG is temporary if:

The assistance group member has been absent for no longer than 45 consecutive days;

Location of the absent individual is known;

There is a definite plan for the return of the absent individual to the home, and

The absent individual shared the home with the assistance group prior to the onset of the

absence.

OAC rule 5101:1-3-04 also sets forth exceptions to the requirement that the assistance group member

be absent for no longer than 45 consecutive days. Most relevant to PRC is the situation where a child

is removed from the home by the public children services agency (PCSA) if the agency indicates that

there is a reunification plan to return the child to the home within six months.

PRC benefits and services are available to an AG that includes a minor child or pregnant individual.

A minor child is defined as a child under the age of 18 or who has not attained the age of 19 and is a

fulltime student in a secondary school or the equivalent level of vocational or technical training

(GED classes do not qualify). A pregnant woman is required to be in her 6th month of pregnancy if

no other children exist in the AG.

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Residence in Lucas County is a requirement for PRC. Residence is established by living in the County

voluntarily with the intent to remain here permanently or for an indefinite period of time. Residence

is also established by a person who is not receiving assistance from another state and entered the state

with a job commitment or seeking employment, whether or not currently employed. A child is a

resident of the County in which the caretaker is a resident.

The term "living with" shall include persons who would be physically in the home except for

circumstances that would require temporary absence, such as hospitalization, detention in a juvenile

home until a court commitment, attendance at school, visiting, vacationing, and/or trips made in

connection with current or prospective employment. Assistance group members must be living in

independent living arrangements. PRC may not be issued to persons living in medical or public

institutions.

PRC Benefits and Services:

The following list includes LCDJFS’s definitions of eligible assistance groups:

An eligible assistance group may consist of a minor child residing with a parent, specified

relative, legal guardian or legal custodian and other members of the household (who may or

may not be related to the minor child) who may significantly enhance the family’s ability to

achieve economic self-sufficiency.

PRC services may be provided to more than one PRC assistance group even when both PRC

assistance groups contain the same child.

*The dollar value provided to one PRC assistance group does not necessarily have to count

against the dollar value provided to another PRC assistance group containing the same child.

LCDJFS identifies specific sets of services and limitations for employed, non-custodial, and

other PRC assistance groups in the PRC Program Chart.

Economic Need Eligibility for PRC is dependent upon the PRC Assistance Group’s demonstration and verification of

the need for financial assistance and/or services. The PRC Assistance Group’s income must be at or

below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. All AG income (earned and unearned) is

reviewed and is based upon all gross funds received in the 30 days prior to application. PRC

assistance is only available to members who have not received PRC assistance above the PRC Plan’s

twelve-month monetary cap per type of service. The PRC twelve-month cycle begins on the date of

the AG’s first approved application. LCDJFS will track PRC expenditures by AG and a monthly

PRC tracking report will be maintained for internal use. All PRC services are contingent upon

availability of funding.

Countable Income:

LCDJFS has the flexibility to specify the income limits it will use when determining eligibility for its

PRC program. The total gross income, both earned and unearned, of all members of a PRC AG may

be counted when determining PRC eligibility. LCDJFS may opt to include or exclude all income

which is normally exempt or disregarded when determining eligibility for OWF or Disability

Financial Assistance (DFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Food Assistance. Income

limits and countable income will be specified in the PRC Program Chart.

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There are some income and benefits which are federally required to be excluded from all assistance

programs when determining income eligibility. OAC Rule 5101:1-24-20 addresses the issue of

excluded income.

1. Earned Income

The following are examples of earned income which a county agency may count at its discretion. This

is not intended to be an all-inclusive list:

• Earnings from work as an employee

• Earnings from self-employment

• Strike benefits (if striker is required to perform services in order to receive them)

• Training allowances

2. Unearned Income

The following are examples of unearned income which a county may opt to consider. This is not

intended to be an all-inclusive list (further described under “Application”, page 9):

• Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI) Benefits

• Alimony and child support

• Veteran Administration benefits

• Workers’ Compensation benefits

• Lump-sum payments

• Unemployment benefits

• Pension and retirement benefits

• Strike benefits

• Investment income

• Rental income

Use of Income:

All income which is received or expected to be received by any member of the PRC assistance group

during the thirty-day budget period is considered when determining financial need. This includes all

income which is normally exempt or disregarded when determining eligibility for Ohio Works First

(OWF), or Disability Financial Assistance (DFA), except income received under the provisions of

the Agent Orange Compensation Exclusion Act (Public Law 101-201) received on or after January I,

1989 and income described in the fourth paragraph of this section. It does not include income which

was received prior to the thirty-day budget period or income which will be received after the thirty-

day budget period.

When all members of the AG received OWF or DFA as their only source of income, the income

requirement is considered automatically met. If the AG has other income in addition to OWF, or

DFA, the income requirement is not automatically met. Eligibility must be determined, and the

amount of the OWF, or DFA payment is considered unearned income.

When a member of the AG received unearned income, the entire amount received or expected to be

received during the thirty day budget period is to be counted. Effective July I, 1993, all student

financial assistance provided under the programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under the

Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs shall be disregarded as income and resources in

the determination of eligibility and level of benefits in the PRC program. Loans and scholarships,

other than those provided under the programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act or under the

Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs, are treated as unearned income; however, when

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designated for tuition, books, fees, etc., those amounts shall not be counted. Some loans and

scholarships, other than those provided under programs in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act

or under the Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs, contain a compilation of tuition,

living expenses, etc. In these cases, the amount for educational expenses must be determined and shall

not be counted.

The gross amount of the unearned income received by any member of the AG during the budget

period is counted for emergency assistance purposes. There are no deductions allowed for costs of

obtaining this income or for specific expenses such as taxes, insurance premiums, etc.

All types of unearned income received by any member of the assistance group must be counted.

"Earned income" is that which the assistance group member must perform some type of labor or

service to receive. The gross amount of earned income received or expected to be received during the

thirty-day budget period must be considered for emergency assistance.

Deductions from work-related expenses may be allowed from the gross earned income of each

employed AG member to arrive at net income. Because of the nature of PRC, it may not always be

possible to verify the exact amount of work-related expenses in a timely manner. Therefore, the

earned income exclusions shall be limited to ninety dollars for work expenses and one hundred

seventy-five dollars per child, or two hundred dollars if the child is under age two for child care costs.

The ninety dollar and one hundred seventy-five dollar (or two hundred dollars if the child is under

age two) disregards are not adjusted for part-time employment. If verification of work expense is

readily available, the actual verified amounts which will be deducted from the gross earnings or paid

by the individual during the thirty-day budget period may be allowed.

The following is a list of the earned income exclusions to be deducted from gross earnings of each

employed member of the assistance group when allowing the actual verified costs. This list is all-

inclusive and may not be expanded:

Mandatory deductions of involuntarily withheld income taxes (federal, state, and city), social

security, compulsory retirement, unemployment and disability insurance contributions.

Transportation to and from work. A mileage allowance equal to the amount which is

reimbursed to state staff is deducted when the individual uses his own vehicle.

Child care costs.

Expenses for union dues involuntarily withheld.

Miscellaneous deductions required by the employer.

The following types of income are excluded from either earned or unearned income. The amount of

the exclusion is limited to the actual verified expense:

Court-ordered child support and alimony when paid to an individual not included in the

eligible assistance group.

Court-ordered garnished payments.

Verification of income is required for PRC. Written or verbal verification from the employer must be

obtained. Phone verification with the applicant's release of information is permissible. Any

verification that is obtained by telephone must be clearly documented in the assistance group record

as to the name and position of the person supplying the information, the date the verification was

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obtained, the current amount of the income, and the name of the individual who obtained the

verification.

When income to the AG fluctuates from month to month, the eligibility determiner should use the

most currently available verification and predict the income for the budget period unless it is indicated

the situation will be different. This documentation must be retained in the AG record.

The AG's net unearned income is added to the AG's net earned income in order to calculate the total

net income. The total net income is then compared to the financial eligibility standard fur the

appropriate assistance group size according to the financial eligibility chart. When the net income is

compared with the financial eligibility standard, one of the following results will occur:

If the net income is equal to or less than the financial eligibility standard, the AG is eligible

for PRC on the basis of income.

If the net income is greater than the financial eligibility standard, the AG may be eligible for

PRC on the basis of income. However, the income in excess of the financial eligibility

standard will be required to be applied toward the cost of the emergent need as a co-payment.

Application Eligibility will be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Immediate need and whether or not

the PRC program can be of benefit will be determined by LCDJFS. Under this program, an AG that

includes at least one minor child, or pregnant woman in her third trimester, or a non-custodial parent,

and meets the program’s eligibility requirements may receive customized assistance, goods, or

services as determined by LCDJFS. This program is designed to help people overcome immediate

barriers to achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, thereby preventing

the need for on-going public assistance. LCDJFS will inform individuals about other programs (i.e.,

Child Care, Medicaid and Food Assistance) that are available and applicable hearing rights.

Income eligibility: All income which has been received by any member of the PRC AG during the 30 day budget period

is considered when determining financial need. The 30 day period begins 30 days prior to the date of

application and ends on the application date. All income received during this period is used in the

computation of financial eligibility.

The total gross income, both earned and unearned, must be reviewed. There are no deductions or

exclusions allowed from any type of countable income. If all other means to provide income

verifications have been utilized, written or verbal third party verification of income or a self-

declaration statement is permitted. For any verification which is obtained by phone, there must be a

clear documentation in the PRC AG record concerning the name and position of the supplier of the

information, the date the verification was obtained, the amount of the verified income and the name

of the individual who obtained the verification. LCDJFS requires the above verifications to be

attached to the PRC application.

The gross amount of the PRC AG’s countable income is totaled and compared to the amount which

is 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines amount for the PRC AG size. If the total PRC AG

income is equal to or less than 200% of the FPG amount for applicable PRC AG size, the PRC AG

meets the income requirement. For self-employment income, the amount counted is not the gross

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proceeds, but the gross allowable income after verified business deductions are provided (not taxes,

or union dues). Business deductions must be within budget period.

The following types of incomes are federally required to be excluded as income as defined in OAC

Section 5101:1-24-20 when determining financial eligibility for PRC benefits and services:

(A) Child support payment distributions made by the Ohio department of job and family services

(ODJFS) pursuant to division (C) of Section 1 of Am. S.B. 170 of the 124th General Assembly

(10/25/2001).

(B) All income that is federally excluded in the determination of eligibility for federal needs-based

programs. Federally excluded income includes the income sources identified in paragraphs (C) and

(D) of this rule.

(C) Drug discounts and transitional assistance received under the Medicare Prescription Drug,

Improvement, and Modernization Act, at Section 1860D-31(g)(6) of the Social Security Act

(12/08/2003). The language in Section 1860D-31(g)(6) of the Social Security Act states that the

availability of negotiated prices or transitional assistance under this section shall not be treated as

benefits or otherwise taken into account in determining an individual’s eligibility for, or the amount

of benefits under any other federal program.

(D) Monetary allowances paid under Section 401 of the Veteran’s Benefits and Health Care

Improvement Act of 2000, effective December 1, 2000. Payments authorized and made by the

Veteran’s Administration (VA) to provide certain benefits, including a monthly monetary allowance

for children with covered birth defects who are the natural children of women veterans who served in

the Republic of Vietnam from February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975.

Application form: The PRC AG must complete the Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program (PRC) Application

form to request PRC voucher services. Eligibility processes for PRC/TANF-funded contracted

services will be specified in LCDJFS’s contracts.

Exploring Community Resources Every effort must be made to explore the availability of resources within the local community prior

to the authorization of PRC. For the purposes of PRC, community may be defined to include areas

beyond the county’s boundaries. A PRC AG is required to apply for and utilize any program, benefit,

or support system, which may reduce or eliminate the presenting need.

Amounts and Types of Benefits and Services Vouchers for allowable goods or services already received (within 30 days of the application) may

be issued upon approval of the application; this is solely at LCDJFS’s discretion. Vouchers will only

be made out to the vendor of the good or service, not to the client for reimbursement. In addition,

vouchers may be approved under special circumstances that are not specified in the PRC Plan, but

are directly associated to maintaining employment and/or increasing wages. The request must be

reviewed by the Coordinator and approved by the Executive Director or designee.

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Notice of Approval/Denial/State Hearing Rights Applicants will be notified of their approval or denial for PRC benefits. An individual denied PRC

benefits will be afforded hearing rights. Application will be denied if required verifications are not

received within the 30 day application period. Vouchers will be voided 90 days from issuance.

Request to Void Voucher If a client requests that a voucher be voided following issuance of the voucher, the client shall return

the unsigned voucher to the agency. If the voucher was already delivered to the vendor, the client

shall attempt to retrieve the voucher. If the voucher is not able to be retrieved, the client shall be

required to sign an affidavit stating that the good or service was not received and, therefore, no

payment should be remitted to the vendor.

Recovery of PRC Payments LCDJFS will investigate and seek repayment of any PRC issued incorrectly to vendors or clients.

Reporting Requirements LCDJFS will meet ODJFS PRC reporting requirements.

Caveats LCDJFS reserves the right to temporarily suspend their PRC program at any time when, in the sole

judgment of LCDJFS, it is no longer fiscally prudent to fund the program.

If at any time LCDJFS determines it is necessary to change the terms and criteria involved in operating

the PRC program, LCDJFS will not engage in any reconsideration of eligibility determinations made

prior to the effective date of the change.

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LUCAS COUNTY PRC PROGRAM CHART LCDJFS will provide PRC funds to support contracted and voucher services. TANF purposes, program-specific

caps, assistance groups, economic need standards, target group and guidance information are provided in the Lucas

County PRC Program Chart.

Contracted Services or

Benefits

TANF

Purpose

Cap Assistance

Group

Economic

Need Standard

Targeted Group

1. Employment &

Family Support Services:

Services for eligible

AG’s to promote family

stability by providing

employment-related

services. Services are

provided through

LCDFS contracts with

community partners and

are funded with TANF

funds. LCDFJS may act

as a referral source, or

may offer TANF-funded

services onsite to

promote family stability

and self-sufficiency.

1 & 2 Limited to

the

availability

of funds.

Those who are

OWF and/or

TANF-eligible.

Target

populations and

specifics related

to eligibility are

specified in the

contract(s) with

provider(s).

Up to 200% of

current FPL, or

AG’s who are

eligible for and

receiving

LCDJFS

benefits.

Specified in

contract(s).

Unemployed,

underemployed, and

those seeking self-

sufficiency.

A.Employment Services

Services for eligible

AG’s including, but not

limited to pre-

employment skills;

barrier removal; unpaid

work experience;

subsidized employment;

job placement; job

retention; career and

skills advancement; and

occupational skills

training.

2 Limited to

the

availability

of funds.

Allocations

for specific

services

specified in

each

contract.

Those who are

OWF and/or

TANF-eligible.

Target

populations and

specifics related

to eligibility are

specified in the

contract(s) with

provider(s).

Up to 200% of

current FPL, or

AG’s who are

eligible for and

receiving

LCDJFS

benefits.

Specified in

contract(s).

Unemployed,

underemployed, and

those seeking self-

sufficiency.

B. Transportation

Services Provides short-

term transportation

assistance to eligible AG

members to ensure

clients have reliable

transportation to

employment, school or

other employment-

related activities.

2 Limited to

the

availability

of funds.

Allocations

for specific

services

specified in

each

contract.

Those who are

OWF and/or

TANF-eligible.

Target

populations and

specifics related

to eligibility are

specified in the

contract(s) with

provider(s).

Up to 200% of

current FPL, or

AG’s who are

eligible for and

receiving

LCDJFS

benefits.

Specified in

contract(s).

Unemployed,

underemployed, and

those seeking self-

sufficiency.

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2. Social &

Developmental Services:

These are offered to

eligible AG’s; these

services are intended to

promote family stability

and support positive

child development.

Services include, but are

not limited to:

Domestic

Violence

Prevention

Teen Pregnancy

Prevention

Bridges Out of

Poverty

Academic

Support Services

Financial

Stability Training

Fatherhood

Services

Housing

Assistance

1, 2 & 3 Limited to

the

availability

of funds.

Allocations

for specific

services

specified in

each

contract.

Those who are

OWF and/or

TANF-eligible.

Target

populations and

specifics related

to eligibility are

specified in the

contract(s) with

provider(s).

Up to 200% of

current FPL, or

AG’s who are

eligible for and

receiving

LCDJFS

benefits.

Specified in

contract(s).

Eligible families that

include children who

are at risk of abuse,

neglect, involvement

in the juvenile justice

system, teen

pregnancy or

academic failure.

3. Ohio Youth Works

Program:

Services include, but are

not limited to:

Provide employment,

training and other

supportive services to

youth ages 14 and 15

based upon a

comprehensive

assessment of the youth's

employment and training

needs. All required

intake and engagement

documentation will be

completed.

1 & 2 Limited to

the

availability

of funds.

Allocations

for specific

services

specified in

each

contract.

*Program

implementa-

tion based on

engagement

and receipt

of funds

from ODJFS.

Youth ages 14-

15 who are

OWF and/or

TANF-eligible.

Up to 200% of

current FPL, or

AG’s who are

eligible for and

receiving

LCDJFS

benefits.

Youth age 14-15 in

school and in “needy”

family. Youth served

may be non-custodial

parents as long as

they are considered

"needy" and have a

minor child.

Youth in a foster care

setting age 14 to 15

years of age if they

are a full-time student

in a secondary school.

Contracted Services: LCDJFS may enter into contracts and allocate TANF funds to accomplish any of the 4 TANF

purposes; purposes 3 & 4 are without regard to income. When clients are not referred by LCDJFS already

determined eligible, contract providers are required to verify household composition, income, residency and other

specific target population criteria identified in each contract. The span of eligibility will be outlined in each contract;

it will generally be for a timeframe greater than the thirty (30) days utilized for vouchered services.

14

Voucher Services or Benefits TANF

Purpose

Cap Assistance

Group

Economic

Need

Standard

Targeted Group

Voucher services are to assist

with maintaining employment

and family stability. Voucher

amounts are limited to the

annual cap listed and are not to

exceed the amount necessary to

resolve the emergent situation.

All voucher services are

contingent upon available

funding. The voucher alone, or

in combination with other

payments, must stop the

emergency. LCDJFS will not

reimburse clients for services

that have already been paid for.

1 & 2 Voucher

services may

not exceed a

total cap of

$1,800 in a 12-

month cycle

unless

otherwise

stated in the

plan.

Each service

category

defines the

specific

assistance

group(s).

Up to

200% of

FPL.

Each service category

defines the specific

target group(s).

1. Employment Materials:

These materials include:

A. Uniforms and footwear

necessary for employment

and/or required by the

employer/training program.

Must provide itemized estimate

and statement from employer

that specifies the number of

materials required.

Applicant must have verified

employment or verified offer of

employment (to start within 30

days of application date) of a

minimum of 20 hours per week

at State minimum wage.

B. Tools/equipment required by

the employer, but not provided

by the employer. Applicant

must have verification of

certification or licensure in

his/her field of employment.

Must provide itemized estimate

and statement from employer

that specifies the number of

materials required. .

Applicant must have verified

employment or verified offer of

2 $500 cap for

any

combination of

employment

materials.

Total must not

exceed $500

per 12 month

cycle.

Employment

materials are

limited to the

availability of

funds.

Families with

minor

child(ren) or

pregnant

women in

their 3rd

trimester.

Up to

200% of

FPL.

Employed families

who meet the

economic need

standard and

employment

requirements.

AND

Non-custodial parents

who have established

paternity with CSEA

and are in compliance

with their support

order.

15

employment (to start within 30

days of application date) of a

minimum of 20 hours per week

at State minimum wage.

C. Professional licensure and/or

testing fees for state licenses,

board certifications, and/or

commercial driver’s licenses.

Must complete Ohio approved

course and meet all

requirements for

licensing/certification.

2. Vehicle Repairs: Repair

costs are limited to the value of

the vehicle established by

NADAguides.com-low retail

value.

2 estimates are required.

Applicant must present

valid Ohio driver’s

license and proof of

required insurance.

Must show proof of

ownership or lease

agreement.

Proof that repair is not

covered under warranty.

Applicant must present

a copy of registration

and title or lease

agreement. The

title/lease of the

applicant’s vehicle must

be in their name for a

minimum of 90 days.

Repairs made to the

body of the vehicle are

limited to those needed

to make the vehicle

operable.

Vouchers will not be

issued for ongoing

maintenance

requirements of vehicle

(oil, air, wipers, filters,

tune ups, tire rotation).

1 & 2 $1,200 cap for

vehicle repair

which may be

fully accessed

for a single

incident or

may be

distributed

across multiple

incidents –

total must not

exceed $1,200

per 12-month

cycle.

Vehicle repairs

are limited to

the availability

of funds.

Families with

minor

child(ren) or

pregnant

women in

their 3rd

trimester.

Applicant

must be

employed a

minimum of

20 hours per

week at State

minimum

wage; must

have secured

employment

for a

minimum of

2 weeks to

determine

eligibility.

Up to

200% of

FPL.

Employed families

who meet the

economic need

standard and

employment

requirements.

AND

Non-custodial parents

who have established

paternity with CSEA

and are in compliance

with their support

order.

16

Tire replacement

limited to only flat tires

that cannot be repaired.

If the repair cost

exceeds $1,200,

applicant must provide

written documentation

from the vendor that

arrangements have been

made for the payment of

the balance of the

amount due.

Repairs are not subject

to sales tax. No payment

of tax will be made by

the applicant or

LCDJFS when LCDJFS

is paying all or a portion

of the bill.

3. G.E.D. Incentive:

$375 upon completion of

G.E.D.

Must apply within 90 days of

receiving valid certificate.

2 One-time

payment of

$375 for each

eligible

applicant.

G.E.D.

Incentives are

limited to the

availability of

funds.

Families with

minor

child(ren),

pregnant

women in

their 3rd

trimester, or

non-custodial

parents.

Up to

200% of

FPL.

Employed families

who meet the

economic need

standard and

employment

requirements.

AND

Non-custodial parents

who have established

paternity with CSEA

and are in compliance

with their support

order.

17

Disaster Assistance: Benefits

to assist with damage or loss

sustained a s direct result of

natural disaster as declared by

the Governor of the State of

Ohio

*Emergency shelter or

temporary housing (includes

payment of rent, mortgage,

security deposit, etc.)

*Personal expenses (includes

purchase of necessary clothing

for work)

*Home repairs (includes

payment for repair of items

affecting basic home structure,

including but not limited to:

walls, roofing, plumbing,

furnace, water supply etc.

*Appliance purchase/repair.

Limited to stove or refrigerator

1 Cap based on

totality of

disaster in

collaboration

with assistance

from other

agencies, State

or Federal

Assistance

Program not to

exceed $1,500

per household

or as limited

by State.

Not to exceed

$1,000

(shelter)

Not to exceed

$350 (personal

expenses)

Not to exceed

$1,500 or as

limited by the

State (home

repairs)

Not to exceed

$275 for

repair/$400 for

replacement.

Limited to one

appliance.

Disaster

Assistance will

not apply to

the $1,800 cap.

Families with

minor

child(ren) or

pregnant

women in

their 3rd

trimester.

Up to

200% of

FPL.

Individuals sustaining

disaster related

damage or loss upon

declaration by

Governor.

AND

Reside in Lucas

County

AND

Have been adversely

affected by the

emergency condition

AND

Meet the Economic

Need Standard

18

Disaster Assistance for Elderly Adults and Disabled Not Eligible for TANF

Voucher Services or

Benefits

Cap Assistance

Group

Economic

Need

Standard

Targeted Group

Disaster Assistance:

Benefits to assist with

damage or loss sustained

a s direct result of

natural disaster as

declared by the

Governor of the State of

Ohio

*Emergency shelter or

temporary housing

(includes payment of

rent, mortgage, security

deposit, etc.)

*Personal expenses

(includes purchase of

necessary clothing for

work)

*Home repairs (includes

payment for repair of

items affecting basic

home structure,

including but not limited

to: walls, roofing,

plumbing, furnace,

water supply etc.

*Appliance

purchase/repair.

Limited to stove or

refrigerator

$ 750 cap per

household,

one-time

payment per

disaster event.

Age 55 or over

with no

dependent

children

OR

Have no

dependents and

be in receipt of

disability

payments

such as

Supplemental

Security Income

(SSI), Social

Security

Disability, VA

Disability,

PERS

Disability,

Railroad

Retirement

Disability,

Black Lung

Benefits, etc.

Up to 200%

of FPL.

Individuals sustaining disaster

related damage or loss upon

declaration by Governor.

Age 55 or over with no dependent

children

OR

Have no dependents and be in

receipt of disability payments

such as Supplemental Security

Income (SSI), Social Security

Disability, VA Disability, PERS

Disability, Railroad Retirement

Disability, Black Lung Benefits,

etc.

AND

Reside in Lucas County

AND

Have been adversely affected by

the emergency condition

AND

Meet the Economic Need Standard

Non-TANF funds are available to provide a one-time cash payment of up to $750 to individuals over 55 and disabled

individuals without a minor child who have been adversely affected by the emergency condition in LUCAS County as

declared by the Governor of the State of Ohio and pursuant to applicable OWF/PRC Guidance Letter. Disaster assistance

is contingent upon funding. Every attempt to verify income in writing must be made; however, if income records were

lost or destroyed due to the disaster, self-declaration of income based on the past 30 days of income from the date of the

application will be accepted. Applicants must verify damage through an assessment, photographs, or the CDJFS may

verify damage by personal visit. Assistance from this program is intended to complement assistance received from private

insurance and other community resources. This assistance should not duplicate payment for a service provided by another

service or agency. Applicants will be requested to provide the Department of Job and Family Services any records they

can produce. All applications will be approved or denied by the Director or his/her designee/s. Any person

misrepresenting information will be prosecuted for fraud.

19

Lucas County Department of Job & Family Services agrees to implement their PRC Program as

indicated above.

___________, 2017 Date

Executive Director, Lucas CDJFS